NSA Ajit Doval To Hold Dialogue With Indonesian Counterpart On Countering Extremism

The Indonesian delegation, inlcuding ulemas, will hold a day-long discussion with their Indian counterparts on various topics, including countering radicalisation and extremism.

A file photo of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval

Source : Getty Images

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will hold talks on religious harmony and countering radicalisation with a delegation of Indonesian ulemas and other religious leaders accompanying Coordinating Minister Mohammad Mahfud in Delhi on Tuesday. Dr Mahfud, the coordinating minister for portfolios such as home, foreign and defence, is equivalent to the post of the NSA.

Ajit Doval had invited Mahfud when he had visited Indonesia for the second India-Indonesia Security Dialogue on March 17.

Dr Mahfud had proposed to bring along a delegation of leading ulemas from Indonesia to share experiences with their Indian counterparts on religious harmony, co-existence and countering radicalisation. The 24-member Indonesian delegation also includes other higher officials.

The Indian delegation participating in the talks at the India International Cultural Centre will include leading Islamic luminaries from Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Lucknow-based Asifi mosque, and the Bohra community among others.

The day-long discussion will be spread over three sessions -- Islam: continuity and change, harmonising inter-faith society: practice and experience, and countering radicalisation and extremism in India and Indonesia.

The inaugural session will be addressed by NSA Doval and Indonesian Minister Dr Mahfud.

READ | 'Modi Has Been Very Firm On China': Jaishankar On Criticism Of PM's Handshake With Xi Jinping

Sources said that holding such a dialogue with the largest Islamic nation would send out the right message to the world about the principle of "unity in diversity" and the belief that religion should not be used as a source of conflict but as a source of peace only. 

The agenda also includes talks on maritime security, infrastructure projects cooperation, security cooperation, defence cooperation etc. 

Dr Mahfud is also expected to meet External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and may also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Mahfud along with the delegation will go to Agra on Wednesday to visit the Taj Mahal and the nearby fort at Fatehpur Sikri.